SCOTT COUNTY, Tenn. — Months after storms swept through Scott County, toppling trees and leaving damage in their wake, a lodge in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is back open.
Charit Creek Lodge's owner previously said he faced around $50,000 in damages from the May storms. While they didn't damage its resident lodging structures, the owner said it damaged the lodge's staff quarters as well as equipment used to maintain the area. The damage has since been fixed and the lodge is back open.
Crews also spent months cleaning up the Big South Fork park, clearing detritus and moving downed trees to reopen trails.
"That took us a while, to clear the road of the trees, but we've been able to do that. Visitors can make their way to popular trails, such as Twin Arches or Charit Creek Lodge, which is a great place to go," said Christopher Derman, the park's Chief of Interpretation and Education.
The park also said it is turning 50 years old this year, and leaders are planning some celebrations.